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Pincushions (Leucospermum)
Pincushions are flowering evergreens found in mountain slopes, scrublands, and forests. The species come in various forms - from ground covers to small trees. Many species have vibrant, pincushion-like flowers, which make them popular decorative indoor plants. In all pincushions, ants collect the seeds and take them to their nests, which protects them from wildfires.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Pincushions
Feedback
Attributes of Pincushions
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Pincushions
Distribution of Pincushions
Feedback
Distribution Map of Pincushions
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Pincushions
Feedback
Pincushions, a unique evergreen shrub, generally demands moderate care, thriving best under certain conditions. For Basic Care, it requires full sun exposure, moderate watering, temperatures above frost level, and well-draining soil with low nutrient content. Common Challenges include vulnerability to root rot, fungal diseases, and pests such as snails or aphids. Despite its resilient nature, Seasonal Considerations should not be overlooked; it appreciates light watering in dry summer periods and requires shelter from strong winds and heavy frost in winter.
How to Water Pincushions?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Pincushions?
How to Propagate Pincushions?
How to Plant Pincushions?
Exploring the Pincushions Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Ornamental pincushion
The origin of the common name ornamental pincushion is easy to identify. One look at its flowers with protrusions resembling pins coming out of a pincushion provides a sure clue. These unique flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, or crimson, making for a stunning showpiece in the garden. Ornamental pincushion are rounded and spreading shrubs that can grow up to 1.5 m tall and 2 m in diameter.
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire'
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire' is a cultivar of Red pincushion-protea. The flowerhead is red and yellow, perfectly emulating a wildfire (hence the name). It is shorter than the parent plant, growing only 91 to 152 cm instead of 1.5 to 2.5 m. Gardeners not only love this cultivar for its firelike blooms but also because it is particularly resistant to deer.
Red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto'
The red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto' has different leaves than others of its species. It also has horizontal branches and flower heads that sit at right angles to their branch. With the parentage of Leucospermum Cordifolium x Glabrum, the red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto' is thought to be named for Verdi’s controversial opera with the same name. This low-maintenance plant can survive droughts and light frosts.
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant'
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant' is an eye-catching shrub known for its vibrant, pincushion-like inflorescences, which burst forth in fiery shades of orange and red. Native to South African fynbos, red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant' thrives in well-drained soil, adapting to its arid habitat with tough, leathery leaves. The blossoms, prominent from winter to spring, attract birds and insects, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
Cloud bank
Cloud bank is native to South Africa and is often planted for its striking orange and red blooms. It's a great addition to any garden and is known for attracting birds and insects. Its unique cone-shaped fruit is used in traditional medicine in its home country.
Pincushions 'Scarlet Ribbon'
Pincushions 'Scarlet Ribbon' produces a large number of eye-catching pincushion-shaped flowers. As hinted by its name, these flowers are vibrant red in color. This cultivar is derived from Leucospermum glabrum and Leucospermum tottum. The flowers are not only used ornamentally in gardens but are also cut for flower arrangements due to their long-lasting vibrancy.
Red pincushion-protea 'California Sunshine'
Red pincushion-protea 'California Sunshine' showcases fiery, clustered inflorescences resembling sunbursts, perfectly complementing its 'California Sunshine' moniker. The vivid orange to red flowers burst from a backdrop of leathery, heart-shaped foliage, symbolizing resilience amid Mediterranean climates. This evergreen shrub thrives in well-drained soils, basking in the full glory of the sun, mirroring its solar affinity with remarkable drought tolerance.
Red pincushion-protea 'Yellow Bird'
Red pincushion-protea 'Yellow Bird' offers bright yellow dome-shaped flowers that resemble pincushions. They bloom profusely from spring to mid-summer, held high on tall dark green stems. The plant is a cultivar of Leucospermum cordifolium named for the yellow tones of the flowers. It is a favorite for coastal home gardens as it is tolerant of high winds and salty air.
All Species of Pincushions
Ornamental pincushion
Ornamental pincushion
The origin of the common name ornamental pincushion is easy to identify. One look at its flowers with protrusions resembling pins coming out of a pincushion provides a sure clue. These unique flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, or crimson, making for a stunning showpiece in the garden. Ornamental pincushion are rounded and spreading shrubs that can grow up to 1.5 m tall and 2 m in diameter.
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire'
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire'
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire' is a cultivar of Red pincushion-protea. The flowerhead is red and yellow, perfectly emulating a wildfire (hence the name). It is shorter than the parent plant, growing only 91 to 152 cm instead of 1.5 to 2.5 m. Gardeners not only love this cultivar for its firelike blooms but also because it is particularly resistant to deer.
Red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto'
Red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto'
The red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto' has different leaves than others of its species. It also has horizontal branches and flower heads that sit at right angles to their branch. With the parentage of Leucospermum Cordifolium x Glabrum, the red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto' is thought to be named for Verdi’s controversial opera with the same name. This low-maintenance plant can survive droughts and light frosts.
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant'
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant'
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant' is an eye-catching shrub known for its vibrant, pincushion-like inflorescences, which burst forth in fiery shades of orange and red. Native to South African fynbos, red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant' thrives in well-drained soil, adapting to its arid habitat with tough, leathery leaves. The blossoms, prominent from winter to spring, attract birds and insects, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
Cloud bank
Cloud bank
Cloud bank is native to South Africa and is often planted for its striking orange and red blooms. It's a great addition to any garden and is known for attracting birds and insects. Its unique cone-shaped fruit is used in traditional medicine in its home country.
Pincushions 'Scarlet Ribbon'
Pincushions 'Scarlet Ribbon'
Pincushions 'Scarlet Ribbon' produces a large number of eye-catching pincushion-shaped flowers. As hinted by its name, these flowers are vibrant red in color. This cultivar is derived from Leucospermum glabrum and Leucospermum tottum. The flowers are not only used ornamentally in gardens but are also cut for flower arrangements due to their long-lasting vibrancy.
Red pincushion-protea 'California Sunshine'
Red pincushion-protea 'California Sunshine'
Red pincushion-protea 'California Sunshine' showcases fiery, clustered inflorescences resembling sunbursts, perfectly complementing its 'California Sunshine' moniker. The vivid orange to red flowers burst from a backdrop of leathery, heart-shaped foliage, symbolizing resilience amid Mediterranean climates. This evergreen shrub thrives in well-drained soils, basking in the full glory of the sun, mirroring its solar affinity with remarkable drought tolerance.
Red pincushion-protea 'Yellow Bird'
Red pincushion-protea 'Yellow Bird'
Red pincushion-protea 'Yellow Bird' offers bright yellow dome-shaped flowers that resemble pincushions. They bloom profusely from spring to mid-summer, held high on tall dark green stems. The plant is a cultivar of Leucospermum cordifolium named for the yellow tones of the flowers. It is a favorite for coastal home gardens as it is tolerant of high winds and salty air.
Leucospermum mundii
Leucospermum mundii
Leucospermum mundii is a captivating shrub, known for its pincushion-like inflorescences that bloom in shades of yellow or orange. Its needle-shaped leaves form a striking contrast against the vibrant flowers. Typically found in mountainous habitats, leucospermum mundii has adapted to thrive in well-drained, acidic soils, reflecting its resilience in challenging conditions.
Wart-stemmed pincushion
Wart-stemmed pincushion
Wart-stemmed pincushion is a striking shrub native to South Africa's fynbos region. It reaches 1 to 2 meters in height and is characterized by its boat-shaped leaves and vibrant, pincushion-like flower heads. These orange to yellow blooms appear mainly in spring, attracting numerous pollinators. Adapted to a Mediterranean climate, wart-stemmed pincushion is fire-resistant and thrives in well-drained, acidic soil.
Mix pincushion
Mix pincushion
Mix pincushion is easily distinguished by its long, olive-like leaves and vibrant orange pincushion flowers that bloom from late winter to spring. Its tough foliage is an adaptation to its native South African fynbos habitats, where it thrives in nutrient-poor soils. The plant's tubular flowers attract birds, especially nectar-feeding species, which aid in pollination, showcasing a symbiotic relationship with its environment.
Leucospermum royenifolium
Leucospermum royenifolium
Leucospermum royenifolium is a stunning shrub endemic to South Africa's fynbos region, adapted to dry, nutrient-poor soils. It captivates with fiery inflorescences that resemble pincushions, a signature trait among 'pincushion proteas'. These bright orange to red blooms are not only a visual spectacle but also attract a wealth of birdlife, ensuring pollination. Its leathery leaves, arranged in spirals, reflect leucospermum royenifolium's resilience to the harsh sunlight and occasional wildfires.
Rocket pincushion
Rocket pincushion
Rocket pincushion is a striking evergreen shrub, notable for its large, spherical flower heads. Vibrant orange to red flowers emerge in curved, tubular structures, resembling a pin cushion. The plant's leathery, blue-green leaves and prominent, curved styles contribute to its ornamental appeal. Thriving in well-drained soil, rocket pincushion has adapted to survive in its native fynbos habitat, often recovering well from brush fires.
Leucospermum heterophyllum
Leucospermum heterophyllum
Leucospermum heterophyllum boasts a striking display of flower heads with varied colors, ranging from orange to yellow, resembling pincushions. This shrub adapted to its fynbos habitat with sclerophyllous leaves, an adaptation to reduce water loss. With its long, curved styles emerging from the flower heads, leucospermum heterophyllum not only captivates onlookers but also ensures effective pollination by birds, integral to its survival in its native South African landscape.
Arid pincushion
Arid pincushion
Arid pincushion is recognized by its striking, pincushion-like inflorescences that burst into bright orange or yellow blooms. Its long, slender leaves are adapted to its native fynbos habitat in South Africa, enabling it to thrive in poor, sandy soils. The plant's fire-resistant seeds bank ensures survival after wildfires, a natural occurrence in its ecosystem.
Orange flame pincushion
Orange flame pincushion
Orange flame pincushion is a striking shrub known for its vibrant orange-red inflorescences resembling pincushions, a signature trait of the genus. Adapted to survive in its native fynbos habitat, this plant's leathery leaves and deep root system equip it to thrive amid hot, dry conditions. Flowering in spring, it provides nectar for bird pollinators while contributing to the region's biodiversity.
Mossel bay pincushion
Mossel bay pincushion
Mossel bay pincushion is a captivating shrub native to South Africa, notable for its spherical, pincushion-like flower heads that burst with vibrant colors, ranging from yellow to orange. Its narrow, leathery leaves and robust stem adapt well to the Mediterranean climate of its habitat, thriving in well-drained, sandy soils. Mossel bay pincushion's distinctive blooms not only add ornamental value but are also a vital source of nectar for birds and insects, reflecting a harmonious interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.
Scarlet ribbon
Scarlet ribbon
Scarlet ribbon is a captivating shrub native to South African regions with distinctive dome-shaped flower heads that bloom a fiery orange-red. Its needle-like foliage adapts well to the dry, often nutrient-poor soils it calls home. This sun-loving plant is resilient against fires, playing a key role in its regeneration and the survival of its species.
Leucospermum gracile
Leucospermum gracile
Leucospermum gracile is a striking shrub native to South Africa's coastal plains. Its slender stems and narrow leaves adapt to the dry environment, reducing water loss. In spring, it delights with fiery-colored flowers, arranged in dense, pincushion-like clusters that attract pollinators. These blossoms are a unique trademark, making leucospermum gracile a dazzling specimen in any fynbos garden.
Leucospermum wittebergense
Leucospermum wittebergense
Nestled in the mountainous regions, leucospermum wittebergense flourishes with its striking inflorescence that emerges in vibrant, pincushion-like clusters. Adapted to rugged terrain, its leathery leaves and woody stems are a testament to resilience against harsh climes. The distinctive flowerheads captivate with a fiery palette, ensuring pollinator attention, and signaling its role in the intricate ecological tapestry of its native habitat.
Flame
Flame
Flame is a striking shrub native to South African fynbos, characterized by its slender, needle-like leaves. This plant's adaptation to fire-prone regions is evident in its durable woody stems, which also support a dazzling array of pincushion-like flowers. The vibrant blooms, ranging from orange to yellow, are a magnet for pollinators, playing a critical role in the ecosystem.
Leucospermum truncatulum
Leucospermum truncatulum
Leucospermum truncatulum, a member of the Proteaceae family, exhibits striking, pincushion-like inflorescences that burst with color atop sturdy, upright stems. Adapted to its native fynbos habitat, its dense, grey-green leaves form a lush backdrop for the fiery orange to red blooms, which are a beacon to pollinators. Leucospermum truncatulum's resilience to harsh conditions is evident in its thick, leathery foliage, designed to conserve water in a dry climate.
Robinson pass pincushion
Robinson pass pincushion
With vibrant orange-red flower clusters, robinson pass pincushion boasts a captivating display reminiscent of fiery sunbursts. This evergreen shrub thrives in its native fynbos habitat, where the needle-like foliage provides an effective defense against herbivores, and its deep root system seeks out moisture. Adapting to poor, sandy soils, robinson pass pincushion's striking blooms not only enchant viewers but also serve as a vital nectar source for birds and insects, playing a key role in its ecosystem.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Pincushions
Leucospermum
Pincushions are flowering evergreens found in mountain slopes, scrublands, and forests. The species come in various forms - from ground covers to small trees. Many species have vibrant, pincushion-like flowers, which make them popular decorative indoor plants. In all pincushions, ants collect the seeds and take them to their nests, which protects them from wildfires.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
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Key Facts About Pincushions
Feedback
Attributes of Pincushions
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Pincushions
Distribution of Pincushions
Feedback
Distribution Map of Pincushions
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Pincushions
Feedback
Pincushions, a unique evergreen shrub, generally demands moderate care, thriving best under certain conditions. For Basic Care, it requires full sun exposure, moderate watering, temperatures above frost level, and well-draining soil with low nutrient content. Common Challenges include vulnerability to root rot, fungal diseases, and pests such as snails or aphids. Despite its resilient nature, Seasonal Considerations should not be overlooked; it appreciates light watering in dry summer periods and requires shelter from strong winds and heavy frost in winter.
How to Water Pincushions?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Pincushions?
How to Propagate Pincushions?
How to Plant Pincushions?
Exploring the Pincushions Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Ornamental pincushion
The origin of the common name ornamental pincushion is easy to identify. One look at its flowers with protrusions resembling pins coming out of a pincushion provides a sure clue. These unique flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, or crimson, making for a stunning showpiece in the garden. Ornamental pincushion are rounded and spreading shrubs that can grow up to 1.5 m tall and 2 m in diameter.
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire'
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire' is a cultivar of Red pincushion-protea. The flowerhead is red and yellow, perfectly emulating a wildfire (hence the name). It is shorter than the parent plant, growing only 91 to 152 cm instead of 1.5 to 2.5 m. Gardeners not only love this cultivar for its firelike blooms but also because it is particularly resistant to deer.
Red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto'
The red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto' has different leaves than others of its species. It also has horizontal branches and flower heads that sit at right angles to their branch. With the parentage of Leucospermum Cordifolium x Glabrum, the red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto' is thought to be named for Verdi’s controversial opera with the same name. This low-maintenance plant can survive droughts and light frosts.
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant'
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant' is an eye-catching shrub known for its vibrant, pincushion-like inflorescences, which burst forth in fiery shades of orange and red. Native to South African fynbos, red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant' thrives in well-drained soil, adapting to its arid habitat with tough, leathery leaves. The blossoms, prominent from winter to spring, attract birds and insects, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
Show More Species
All Species of Pincushions
Ornamental pincushion
Red pincushion-protea 'Veldfire'
Red pincushion-protea 'Rigoletto'
Red pincushion-protea 'Flame Giant'
Cloud bank
Pincushions 'Scarlet Ribbon'
Red pincushion-protea 'California Sunshine'
Red pincushion-protea 'Yellow Bird'
Leucospermum mundii
Wart-stemmed pincushion
Mix pincushion
Leucospermum royenifolium
Rocket pincushion
Leucospermum heterophyllum
Arid pincushion
Orange flame pincushion
Mossel bay pincushion
Scarlet ribbon
Leucospermum gracile
Leucospermum wittebergense
Flame
Leucospermum truncatulum
Robinson pass pincushion
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
